Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

5 most important tips for video conference calls

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you're on video calls all day long. Maybe they're infrequent on your schedule, reserved for only the most important meetings. Either way, Kim's ...

The new form of sextortion during the coronavirus lockdown

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sextortion scams are frightening. You get an email claiming a hacker has evidence, often in video form, of you in rather compromising positions. A new...

How lies survive on social media

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Radio shows like mine, newspapers, magazines and virtually every other form of media are held accountable for publishing something libelous, false or ...

How 5G will bring super-fast internet into your home, wirelessly

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Getting high-speed data lines into every home is expensive — and a reason why many people don't have fast connections at home. If you live in an are...

How this year's California wildfires could hurt you and your business

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the pandemic sending employees home to work, our reliance on the internet can't be overstated. This year's wildfires in California could bring ma...

50 years ago this month, the picturephone arrived and quickly disappeared

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Half a century ago, with great confidence, AT&T launched the world's first video phone. It goes without saying it did not take off. Here's what happen...

With $30B at stake, IRS issues dire scam warning

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For months cybercriminals have been cashing in on our collective coronavirus fears. Their schemes haven't let up, and now the IRS is warning of a new,...

Why working from home may be here to stay

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Anthony Fauci says the coronavirus has become his "worst nightmare." As health experts predict another spike this summer, those of us working from...

Twitter gets serious with 5G conspiracy postings

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social media platforms are hotbeds for conspiracy theories, fake news, hate, violence and all manner of despicable content. Now Twitter is putting its...

The reason you can't use your own Netflix account

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How many friends and family members have your Netflix login? Sharing streaming services is common practice, but you might find yourself locked out of ...

Bluetooth speakers for your phone that won't listen in

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to listen to music through your phone without headphones, you need a speaker. But what if you don't want Alexa or Siri listening in throug...

Facebook now allows bulk deleting - but are the posts really gone?

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook's long overdue new tool lets you archive or delete posts in bulk. Now the question is, are they actually gone for good? I wouldn't bet on it....

A glimmer of good news from all the looting

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If there is any good news from the lawlessness in America’s major cities, it’s this: Apple is making monetary contributions to help victims of pol...

Fake Facebook protest videos seen by millions

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As protests took place across the U.S., millions were watching on Facebook Live. If you turn to social media for news, I have a warning about what you...

Move over, Crayola: Try your hand at naming colors

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today's screens can display 16.7 million colors, and all those colors need names. Head to colornames.org to add your suggestions to the list and vote ...

The humble, simple voice phone call makes a comeback

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Think back a few months. How often did you ignore calls and opt to communicate via text, email or social media message? Now, months into the pandemic,...

Can President Trump really regulate Twitter?

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump signed an executive ordered aimed at limiting the legal protections that shield social media companies. The question now is how will h...

How cutting the cable brought us right back to where we started

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A decade ago, we started saying "no more" to expensive cable and satellite service. Now, there are more streaming services than ever to fill the void....

Local TV stations are being scammed by Amazon, and you are too

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tune into your local news station and you may see a segment that feels surprising if you keep up with the tech world: A feel-good story about Amazon's...

Researchers hit fastest internet speed ever

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all want better, smarter and faster. Researchers in Australia hit a new record internet speed that hits faster out of the ballpark. The team logged...

Honoring those who sacrificed everything

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Memorial Day, join me in taking a moment to show respect to those who embody the spirit of duty, honor and selflessness in the service of America...

Why that COVID contact tracing text is a scam

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don't be surprised to hear from coronavirus tracers who track the spread of the disease. But if you were one of the millions who got a text that you'v...

Will DJI drones disappear from American skies?

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are nearly 1.6 million drones registered in the U.S., according to FAA estimates, and DJI holds nearly two-thirds of the American market. Now th...

5 tips to look your best while video conferencing

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your daily Zoom calls aren't quite the same as being on television, but you still want to look your best, right? Take a cue from broadcasters with the...

Uber gives us an idea of the massive hit to the US economy

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A few months ago, Uber was on top of the ridesharing world. Fast forward to today and the demand has dried up — taking thousands of jobs along with ...

The pandemic and the fall of celebrity status

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic has brought innumerable changes. Among them, a shift in how much we really care about fame and celebrity. As our priorities shift, so too...

The best games to play on Zoom this weekend

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ah, another weekend ... at home. Fire up your video chat service of choice, gather a few friends and have a game night. Here are a few low-tech option...

Facebook moderators collect damages after suffering PTSD

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With all the horrible content that actually makes it onto Facebook, I've wondered what gets filtered out and who does the job. It's a team of moderato...

Twitter's ridiculous PR ploy

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social media platforms are hotbeds for fake news. What is Twitter's latest plan to battle false and dangerous info? A warning that leaves me asking .....

How working from home could land you in jail

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Remote work scams are nothing new. Conning people who are looking for work is a trick much older than the internet. But this one takes it to a whole n...

An open letter to Apple's CEO, Tim Cook

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Coronavirus has interrupted Apple's China supply chain, and now those jobs are moving to Vietnam. I have a better idea. Listen up, Tim Cook. I know a ...

Need to know how to do or fix something? YouTube to the rescue

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Before coronavirus, finding an expert — or just someone handy — to do a difficult task for you was a no-brainer. What about now that inviting stra...

Dangerous coronavirus theories alarming doctors

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you rely on social media alone to stay informed, I have some bad news: You're making a dangerous mistake. Medical professionals across the country ...

Back to the office: The new normal

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Reopening America's businesses will be no small task. You can bet there are some big changes in store when your office opens its doors again. Here's m...

Apple's iPad pandemic comeback

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the 10 years it's been around, the iPad hasn't changed all that much. But if you haven't seen what Apple's tablet has to offer in a while, take not...

Top 4 coronavirus scams people are falling for

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You can only avoid scams if you know exactly what to look for. Scammers are using the coronavirus to create new versions of their old tricks. Don't fa...

YouTube allows Chinese conspiracy videos on Patient Zero

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rumors spread quickly, and conspiracy theories even faster. An American Army reservist is being terrorized following videos and social media posts cla...

The most brazen COVID-19 blackmail scam yet

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I know, I know — another coronavirus scam. But this one is the most brazen yet. You won't believe what hackers are banking on scared people falling ...

Coronavirus and the collapse of the 'sharing economy'

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The "sharing economy" — think Airbnb, VRBO and rideshare companies like Uber — is reeling. March was brutal but just wait for April numbers. Will ...

How to spot and stop cyberthieves after your stimulus check

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cybercriminals have their minds on one thing right now: Getting into your wallet. And they're working very hard to steal your $1,200 stimulus check. I...

How the new 6GHz Wi-Fi affects you

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The FCC just opened a brand new Wi-Fi band. Translation? More, better and faster Wi-Fi in our homes and offices. But don't get too excited just yet —...

The prepper billionaires of Silicon Valley

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Think back to Y2K. Remember the people who stocked up with years of food, water and supplies? Those doomsday preppers have long been the object of rid...

Apple iPhone SE 2020 review

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Top-of-the-line smartphones can cost you more than the average mortgage payment. Apple's more affordable option goes on sale tomorrow, and that begs t...

How Netflix became what ABC, CBS and NBC always wanted to be

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An estimated 37% of the world's internet users use Netflix. Think about that number. The big television networks certainly are. Can anything compete w...

COVID-19 changes America's shopping habits - perhaps forever

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've seen the shopping tide shift in recent years. In 2019, online spending beat out traditional in-store retail for the first time. Now, as people a...

Major companies are hiring - here's how NOT to get the job

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Unemployment is skyrocketing, and major companies are desperate to hire qualified employees. Before you jump into action, I have a warning: Scammers a...

Amazon struggles as consumers buy more

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Look at Amazon's profits over the past 15 years, and the graph looks pretty close to exponential. From 2013 to 2019 alone, the company jumped from $89...

Protect yourself from cybercrime targeting Netflix customers

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hundreds of websites, all using the word Netflix, have popped up in the last two months. Their collective goal? To trick unwitting victims out of mone...

Where Zoom went wrong and where you should go now

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Zoom has exploded in popularity over the last few weeks as meetings moved onto the web. But the sudden growth, and lacking security, has organizations...

4 compelling reasons why 5G cannot spread or make coronavirus

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you've seen this conspiracy theory on social media or YouTube: 5G is causing or spreading the coronavrius. Don't fall for it. I've got four scie...

From Google and Apple: New tool to fight COVID-19 or invasion of your privacy

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple and Google are teaming up to develop technology that will alert you if you have come into contact with anyone infected with coronavirus. This "C...

Coronavirus and the comeback of the old-fashioned phone call

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Humans are social creatures, and we're all missing in-person connection. Texts and emails just don't cut it during this time of isolation. We're turni...

YouTube and the 5G coronavirus rumor

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

YouTube is full of garbage. Sure, there are helpful videos, too, but there's no denying the trash you can find. The latest conspiracy theory spreading...

Even major news outlets fooled by fake coronavirus posts

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social media is loaded with videos of those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones and hopeless medical professionals. One in particular, a real...

The astronomical increase in spam

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Statistics surround the coronavirus pandemic — from growing infection numbers to the time we're all spending online. Everything from streaming to cy...

Coronavirus conspiracy theories on social media

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In times of crisis, we're all searching for reliable information. My advice: Steer clear of, well, most of social media. Here are some of the bizarre ...

Working from home? Avoid unsafe electrical setups

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At work, your office has all the outlets you could need. At home? Well, that's not the case for many of us. If you're working from home, don't miss th...

What you need to know about 'Zoombombing'

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

College classes, companies, churches and friend groups are turning to Zoom to stay in contact during pandemic. It makes connecting with others easy —...

How to have a virtual dinner party and maintain social distance

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cities are on lockdown and we have to keep our distance. Inviting friends over is out of the question. That doesn't mean a dinner party is off the tab...

The epidemic of scams

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Across the world, people are getting sick at an alarming rate. That's not the only thing increasing. Scams are on the rise too. Phishing sites alone h...

Why rural Airbnbs are the superstar of vacation rentals

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Across the country, Americans are staying put. One-third of America is under lockdown, and the travel industry is quiet. There's one outlier: Rural Ai...

Working from home: Best tech to get, part 2

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've transitioned to working from home, you know the hurdles. It's harder to keep in touch with coworkers, you're probably feeling isolated and y...

Can you get coronavirus from Amazon and other deliveries?

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let's cut to the chase: Delivered packages aren't sterile. You need to take some precautions if you're ordering from Amazon, Walmart or any other onli...

Working from home? Turn off Alexa, Siri and your computer's camera

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's no secret smart speakers are always listening. In fact, assistants like Alexa accidentally listen in nearly 20 times a day on average. If you're ...

Working from home - Best tech to get right now, part 1

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Working from home, with any hope of productivity, starts with the right equipment. If your network isn't set up for success, you won't be either. Star...

Watch out for these coronavirus scams

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fake news isn't all you need to worry about. Scammers and cybercriminals are using our collective fears against us. Think twice if you get any of thes...

Is it safe to order online and touch your mail?

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Can you get the coronavirus just from getting your mail or picking up a delivery? You can never be too careful. I'll tell you the steps I'm taking rig...

Social media once again fails America with fake news

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Real news can spread fast online. Fake news spreads even faster. There are so many hoaxes, rumors and flat out lies circulating right now. Don't fall ...

What about the TV remote?

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wash your hands, wipe down your phone, clean your keyboard. Check, check, check. But we're forgetting about arguably the dirtiest thing in our homes. ...

Internet providers promise to keep you connected - even if you can't pay your bill

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our reliance on the internet is stronger than ever as news of the coronavirus pandemic spreads. Internet service providers have stepped up to make sur...

Should you cancel your hotel, Airbnb or Vrbo reservations?

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot that's not known about the spread of the coronavirus right now, including how long the virus remains dangerous on household surfaces. Th...

Why my staff and I are now working from home

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

News is changing by the minute, and there's a lot of fear in the world right now. I've made the choice to send my staff home to work, for one very imp...

You can't trust everything you hear

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cybersecurity 101: Don't click links from an email sender you don't trust. Stop downloading attachments that seem fishy. Double check website URLs bef...

Wash your hands - but what about your smartphone and keyboard?

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wash, rinse, repeat. You can clean your hands to keep germs at bay, but what happens when you touch your electronics? You're dirty all over again. I'l...

Spotting fake COVID-19 cures and price gouging

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The internet is awash in so-called cures for coronavirus. Not so fast. There is no cure. I've got the scoop on what you really can trust online — an...

COVID-19: Working from home and your home network

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Across the country, businesses are sending employees home to work and kids are staying home from school. Are you ready? Step one, don't panic. Step tw...

Getting your business ready for coronavirus

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Businesses across the world are closing up shop and sending employees home to get their jobs done. If you own or work for a small or medium-sized comp...

Murder for hire on the Dark Web

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Dark Web is a scary place to be. There are some frightening things hiding in recesses of the internet, including hitmen ready to beat or kill some...

What happens if you suddenly stop using Facebook?

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How much time do you spend scrolling through Facebook? Now, imagine life without it. Does it seem miserable, missing out on what your friends and fami...

How to get the most accurate map for tracking COVID-19

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You can't turn on the TV, listen to the radio or get online without seeing coronavirus news. But what can you believe about COVID-19, and what are jus...

Tools to stop harassing phone calls

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like spam and robocalls never stop on landline and mobile phones. There are a few simple ways you can quiet the noise — no downloads, apps ...

Facebook's ads promising to 'cure' COVID-19 (coronavirus)

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In uncertain times, we search for answers we can trust. Unfortunately, Facebook isn't the place to look if you want to protect yourself from the sprea...

The latest dangerous internet "challenge"

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's always a new dumb challenge making its way across the internet. Choking down dry cinnamon? Check. Eating Tide Pods? Yep. You'll never believe ...

Hide your Amazon purchases and don't spoil the big gift surprise

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's no denying Amazon Prime is ideal for gifting. You can find just about anything, and shipping is lightning fast. But what if you share an accou...

Apple's new over-the-ear headphones coming next month (for $400)

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple's AirPods took the world by storm in 2016. For years, it was hard to even get your hands on a pair. Now Apple is launching over-the-ear headphon...

The Ring doorbell problem

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Smart home tech is convenient, but when does that convenience outweigh security? The Ring video doorbell has hit the tipping point. You won't believe ...

Coronavirus is upending travel, helping on-demand video

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many questions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in China. Chief among them, how many people are infected and how many have died? Chin...

Fed up with robocalls? Sue scammers for $3K a pop

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Check your call log. How many robocalls did you get this week? How many today? If you're fed up with the constant mobile harassment, there's an app yo...

Tax time: Do it now but make sure your computer is protected from hackers

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tax aren't due for a couple months, but you shouldn't wait. Identity thieves are already on the move. When you're ready to file, I've got two essentia...

Reuniting a mother with her lost daughter

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Technology drives the way we communicate with the people we care about. Just think about the last time you texted an "I love you." But how does tech f...

HQ Trivia: How scammers and cheaters killed the once popular fad

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Not much beats big prizes if you're looking to attract an audience online. Add in the thrill of competition, celebrity hosts and lots of water cooler ...

How scammers are using the coronavirus to steal and defraud

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Where there's fear, scammers are quick to follow. The coronavirus has people across the world scared, and criminals are taking advantage. If you're se...

Macs now more attacked than Windows PCs

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a Mac user, you probably believe you're less at risk online than Windows users. Hate to break it to you, but that "common knowledge" just is...

More confirmation social media harms teens

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I've been warning for years that social media is truly harmful to kids and teens. Yes, popular platforms are full of predators that should have been b...

Why peer-to-peer car renting is one of the worst ideas - ever

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sharing is caring, right? Well, not always. Peer-to-peer car rental apps allow you to rent your car to a perfect stranger or the other way and around....

Even though you're not a terrorist, homeland security is tracking you

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's no secret apps profit from your data. You sign up for an account and details like your usage and location are compiled and sold. You know greedy ...

How old should your child be to own a smartphone?

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are countless decisions to make as a parent, and today's technology adds even more choices. One of the biggest? When your child should get his o...

The long, slow, torturous death of BlackBerry

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've all got iPhones and Androids now, but before that, the BlackBerry reigned supreme — at least in some circles. Now the iconic brand is out of t...

How NOT to run an election

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to software development and deployment, rushing is never the right answer. Just ask the company that created the tech behind the embarra...

How the coronavirus infected the internet

04 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Where there's fear and uncertainty, there are criminals waiting to pounce. If you're glued to your phone or computer reading about the coronavirus out...